This week's feature story star has undeniable writing and performance chops. Interviewing MC Lakota Jonez was a chief example of one of journalism's many pleasures: A conversation ostensibly about one topic (a woman and her music) wades into deeper waters, and an array of other issues—in this instance, racism, gender dynamics, and the evolution of the artistic and cultural movement that is hip-hop, to name a few.

Tonight presents a special occasion to watch Jonez strut her stuff en vivo, amidst a crowd of already loyal fans. In just a matter of hours, she takes the stage at Stage 49 at the UNM Arena (“The Pit”) for the Gathering of Nations’ multigenre showcase, 7:45 p.m. (On the dot!) $17 general admission at the door not only gets you access to her show, but to all the evening's varied powwow happenings. For more information, check out the Gathering of Nations website and the site of the artist herself.

516 ARTS brings the noise

By John Bear

It was time to see; now it’s time to listen.

STREET ARTS: A Celebration of Hip Hop Culture & Free Expression began in October with graffiti and its nerdy cousin, street art. The streets of Downtown Albuquerque—a city with a long and often acrimonious relationship with graffiti—saw artists putting up posters and murals, beautifying the scenery. 516 ARTS Executive Director Suzanne Sbarge and Program Coordinator Francesca Searer say that so far, the exhibit has opened the conversation they had hoped for.